Smart Health

(ARA) - Prostate cancer affects more than 185,000 men in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society. About one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men.

The good news is that, if detected early, prostate cancer is often treatable. Today, men who are affected by the disease have a wider selection of effective treatment options and very high survival rates.

As men finish treatment and move into the recovery phase, they are often faced with an additional mental and physical toll as they face common but intrusive treatment side effects, such as urinary incontinence.

"Dealing with the post-treatment side effects of prostate cancer is tough," says Scott Williams, vice president of the Men’s Health Network, a leading men’s health advocacy and education organization. "Men can regain a sense of control during their recovery period by learning more about conditions like urinary incontinence -- one of the most common treatment side effects -- so they know what to expect and how they can manage it."

There are a number of helpful online resources available for men dealing with the after-effects of prostate cancer treatment. Men’s Health Network, together with TENA, a leading provider of incontinence management products, has created LockerTalk, an educational Web site and virtual "locker room" that provides men, including those suffering or recovering from prostate cancer, with straight-talking educational resources about urinary incontinence.

"Men are far less likely than women to talk about their health, and when it comes to sensitive issues like urinary incontinence and bladder control, the bathroom door is firmly closed on the discussion," adds Williams. "Online resources are a great way for men and their loved ones to get the facts they need in a discreet, non-threatening environment."

Following are tips from TENA and Men’s Health Network to help men deal with side effects of prostate cancer treatment:

* Talk to your doctor: Your physician can help you understand the side effects you may experience after treatment, and also discuss your best options to manage and improve these conditions.

* Do your homework: Turn to free, online resources like LockerTalk.com to learn more about the side effects you are experiencing. Knowing what is happening to your body, why it is happening and how to prevent or manage it will give you more control over the situation.

* Join the club: There are thousands of other men who are dealing with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Join a local prostate cancer support group to exchange valuable tips, advice and experiences.

* Give it time: Certain side effects of prostate cancer treatment are often only temporary. As your body heals, post-treatment conditions like urinary incontinence will improve, so be patient.

For more information about male urinary incontinence, and to identify other helpful online resources about men’s health, visit www.lockertalk.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent


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SIDEBAR:

Men can deal with common side effects of prostate cancer treatment by:
* Talking with their doctor
* Joining a local prostate cancer support group
* Visiting educational Web sites such as www.lockertalk.com, created by TENA and Men’s Health Network